This one has been sitting on the backburner while I put the finishing touches on my other Manstead fic "In My Veins." The next chapter will be much longer...and well worth the wait! I can't wait for the Chicago Med premier this month!
Enjoy!

Will Halstead breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped into the lounge and shrugged off his lab coat. To say the day had been stressful was an understatement. He was used to the chaos, but today seemed to be more mentally draining. Maybe it had something to do with the fact he hadn't been able to get Natalie off his mind. Will's heart beat excitedly as he pulled on a pair of jeans and finished buttoning his black dress shirt. He had briefly considered grabbing a six pack, going back to Jay's, ordering a pizza, and catching the end of the Cubs game. Finding out that Natalie would be at Noah's party led Will to quickly change his mind. He ran a handful of mousse through his tousled red hair before applying a splash of cologne to his neck and behind his ears.

After a final glance in a nearby mirror, Will exited the lounge and quickly made his way outside. Kelani's was just a short walk from the hospital. Will could hear the music blasting from the sound system as he walked along the riverfront. A series of tiki torches lined the walkway leading up to the restaurant's spacious patio. Kelani had definitely gone all out with the lavish decorations, adding to the luau theme. Will scanned the crowd for Natalie as he grabbed a beer from the bar. Despite the large crowd of people he was able to spot her just a few feet away. He couldn't help but stare and take in her beauty. Will finished the beer he was holding, watching as Maggie was lead away by Dr. Stohl, leaving Natalie alone. Will wove through the crowded dancefloor, placing his now empty bottle on a table just a few feet from her. An excited smile spread across Natalie's face as she spied him.

" Hey!," she said.

" Come here," he replied, extending his hand for Natalie to grab. The chemistry between them was undeniable as Will pulled her closer, draping his arms around her waist. He found himself mesmerized by her deep brown eyes, oblivious to the party going on around him.

" I didn't think you were coming," Natalie shouted, fighting to be heard over the loud music.

" Plans change," responded Will, dipping Natalie backwards as the song ended and a new one began. Will instinctively pulled Natalie even closer as the tempo slowed. The air around them seemed to crackle with electricity as he felt her body become more relaxed with each step. Before he could stop himself, Will was leaning in and kissing her.

" We should...go someplace quieter," Natalie suggested, her heart pounding excitedly as they separated.

" Agreed," Will said, reaching for her hand. The pair weaved through the crowd then made their way down a staircase that came out besides the river.

" So what's going on with you and Nina?" Natalie blurted out as they sat down on a nearby bench.

" There is no more Nina and I," Will said slowly.

" What happened?"

" I wasn't being fair to her. Or myself...or you," he replied hesitantly.

" How so?"

" Honestly?" he asked, taking a deep breath trying to calm his nerves.

I turned down that job offer in California with the intention of asking you out."

" Why didn't you?"

" Why didn't I what?"

" Why didn't you ask me out?"

" Pride maybe? I felt like an idiot after professing my love for you in the locker room that day. Then Clarke showed up and I...I don't know. Next thing I knew, Nina came along and provided a much needed distraction."

" You two seemed pretty serious though," pointed out Natalie.

" I was lying to myself. I loved her, but I don't think I was ever in love with her." Will grew silent, his words hanging awkwardly in the air.

" What about now? How do you feel now?"

" The truth is...I don't think I've ever really stopped having feelings for you and I'm sick of denying that I don't ," admitted Will as he turned to face Natalie.

" Do you know how long I've wait to hear you say that?," she replied.

" Really?"

" At some point I stopped seeing you as just a friend and started seeing the potential for something more," Natalie confessed.

You were there for me when I needed someone the most. I certainly didn't anticipate being widowed with a newborn baby."

" I don't think anyone could anticipate or even begin to fathom what you've been through," commented Will. A stray breeze blew across the river suddenly leaving Natalie feeling chilled. Without missing a beat Will pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arm around her exposed shoulders. Natalie found herself laying her head on his chest, her eyes closing as he gently brushed the hair off her face.

" What are you thinking about?" he inquired.

" How right this feels," replied Natalie, a smile spreading across her face. The two spent the next several minutes in silence, not wanting to move.

" We should go back to the party," Natalie said wistfully.

" Do we have to?" asked Will, leaning in to kiss her.

" I'm sure they've noticed that we're both missing by now," she reluctantly reasoned.

" You're probably right," Will conceded, helping Natalie to her feet.

" Besides, I need to get home soon anyways. Helen offered to watch Owen and I don't want her wondering where I am."

" Tell him goodnight for me."

" Of course," said Natalie.

" We'll talk tomorrow. Lunch maybe?" he suggested before pulling Natalie into an embrace and giving her a passionate kiss on her waiting lips.

" Sounds great."

" Good night Nat."

" You too Will."

I know that its gonna take some time

I've got to admit that the thought has crossed my mind

This might end up like it should

And I'm gonna say what I need to say
And hope to god that it don't scare you away
Don't wanna be misunderstood
But I'm starting to believe that this could be the start of something good
~Daughtry~ Start of Something Good